Seized dog stolen back from shelter
Sacramento, CA (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Apr 17, 2005
County: Sacramento

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Christine Harrell

A Sacramento-area dog that bit a 1-year-old child, according to officials, has been returned to Animal Control after it was allegedly stolen from the shelter by its owner on April 17, 2005.

Sacramento Animal Control officers locked up the dog a month ago after the biting incident, authorities stated.

The alleged theft of the dog at Animal Control was caught on video surveillance tape.

When officers arrived at the home of 32-year-old Christine Harrell Thursday, they said they discovered the pit bull mix stashed in a crawl space beneath the floor.

"We ended up having to knock the door down and enter," said Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Joe Wagstaff. "She didn't tell us where the dog was, but with all the commotion, the dog started barking."

The dog was removed from the home and will be destroyed, according to authorities.

Officers also said they found an identity theft lab.

Harrell was booked on possession of stolen property and may face identity theft and drug charges.

References

• thekcrachannel.com - March 31, 2005
• venturacountystar.com - April 30, 2005

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